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Maybe sell, but get what now?

So just got back into playing after a long hiatus. Bought a fender, jazz MIM player series and got a good price on it new as it was on sale. Been playing it for about three months or so. Came across an Ibanez with EMG pick ups, active, neck through design about a month ago and bought it. Absolutely love the bass and the sound of it.

Been playing it exclusively for the past month. Earlier this evening, I thought to myself, break out that fender, as it’s been sitting. It still feels good, might even be set up a little better than the Ibanez, honestly. However, I think I’ve learned I’m really not a huge fan of its sound after playing that Ibanez. Had tweaked a lot of the EQ on my GK head and messed around with the settings of the pick ups and the tone control, and it was meh. The Ibanez sounds so much more powerful and clear, and deep.

So I just got to thinking… Maybe I should just sell that fender and get something else. It’s a shame because it’s a real nice looking bass and it feels good. I guess it’s just the jazz pick ups and the sound of it. In general, I’m not in love with after experiencing something else.

I know it’s all personal preference but I figured I’d post here for craps and giggles just to see what recommendations I get. I don’t care if it’s used, it doesn’t have to be new and I would say somewhere in the $800-$1200 range is what I’d be willing to spend.

I mean, based off how much I love the sound of that Ibanez, I’m wondering if I should just stick with a bass that has active pick ups? I’ve had my eye on another used Ibanez. It is a little different than the model I have. I do like to have some different types of bases rather than a lot of the same thing and just looking different. I actually have that now with the fender jazz. However, I think I could find something with a better sound, at least to my ears. What do you think is out there that would fall within those parameters I listed? Just curious as to what ideas I get here. Really looking maybe for some things. I haven’t even thought of.

Oh, so you know, since I listed what Fender I have, the Ibanez I have is a Soundgear SRT800DX.
 
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Have you considered new pickups for the jazz or trying to wire it with a series/parallel switch? You say it is a good bass but the sound just isn't doing it for you.

Funny you ask. I had posted a couple weeks ago about that same thing. Just wasn’t sure how much it would affect things over stock? I guess it’s something to consider if it would make a big difference.

I was looking at the DiMarzio DP123 Model J Bass Pickup Set. Heard very good things about them.
 
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If you want something new and want to try something new, why not just go to a store and try as many as you can and see what you want.

I am personally in the boat of you don't need a Fender to enjoy bass. I have two CV yeah so I am calling the kettle black there... but I do love my Ibanez and Yamaha the most.

But what is it you do not like about your jazz, I am guessing it seems you just do not like it, I do agree a pickup switch can go far...

Get what you like, if you wanna trade in or sell feel free. I am a more knobs on my bass guy than more basses personally.

Good luck!
 
IMHO there’s no reason to hold onto the Jazz bass. Personally, I dig how they sound when others play them frequently but I hate the sound and the way they feel. The pickups can make a difference for sure but I’ve never had a bass I disliked and then loved after replacing the pickups, I think you’re more likely to spend money you can’t recoup when inevitably decide to sell the bass anyways.

FWIW I find it very difficult to bounce back and fourth between passive and active basses because the active basses tend to offer more depth, clarity, and headroom.

Totally worth checking out more Ibanez basses, you should give MusicMan/Sterling a shot too.
 
My #1 four-string is a Japanese Geddy Lee which I bought with a bad neck pickup. The price was right and it was acquired as a vehicle for a John East preamp. It turned out perfectly as far as my tonal and aesthetic goals. That's my story. Yours could be diametrically different.

I know . . . No pic, it didn't happen:

20240115_143617.jpg
 
Welcome back to bass and enjoy your GAS attack. I'd only add that over time your tastes will change. So I dunno if I'd be too quick to get rid of the J-bass. And only YOU know what will replace it. Id definitely go to a store and try it out as its the "Feel" of the neck that is my first criteria. Then comes sound.
 
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The Ibanez sounds so much more powerful and clear, and deep.

Clear and deep is what EMG pickups are all about. They don't need any fancy EQ, in fact they are designed to work with a passive tone control like on my Steinberger XL. Some players find that sound “sterile” and lack dynamics but I sure don’t.

I wouldn’t flip the J bass because it’s a good backup instrument and you could always put EMGs in that bass, too. A set including the no-soldering wiring harness is $179 list. All you need to install them is a screwdriver.